Ep 19. Serge the Concierge

Serge, the Concierge is the 19th episode of the first season of NYPD Blue, a popular American police procedural drama series.

In this episode, the detectives of the 15th precinct are tasked with investigating a baffling murder case involving a wealthy couple. The highest calibre of detectives- Kelly, Sipowicz, and Martinez, work tirelessly to crack the case. The victim is an affluent socialite and her husband, a real estate tycoon. The investigation leads the detectives to the affluent Carlyle hotel where the couple had reservations. The detectives soon learn that the couple had a fight at the hotel with a member of the staff, the hotel's concierge, Serge.

Serge is known for his attentiveness to the guests' needs- going beyond the usual tasks of a hotel concierge, and is known for being discreet. But when the detectives interrogate him, they find that he is cagey and uncooperative, lying about his whereabouts and any involvement in the murder. The harder they grill him, the more confident he becomes; his answers are evasive, his body language cold and calculating. But despite Serge's best efforts to wriggle his way out of the situation, the detectives get an anonymous tip which gives them a new line of investigation.

Meanwhile, Sipowicz has personal issues to deal with involving his colleague, Janice Licalsi, who he has recently discovered is the daughter of a mobster. She has been involved in an affair with a detective who is in the pocket of the same mob her father leads, leading Sipowicz to be concerned for her safety.

Throughout the episode, the detectives face challenges of their own- Kelly deals with a sexist superior officer who is unwilling to follow a lead, while Martinez grapples with his own morality as he considers whether to report his brother's involvement in a crime.

Despite their challenges, the detectives manage to piece together a series of clues that unravels the mystery of the murder. The final reveal is shocking and unexpected, leaving the detectives to grapple with the repercussions of the case.

Serge the Concierge is a gripping episode that highlights the complexities of investigations, human nature, and the often-complicated relationships between police officers. This episode is a testament to the show's ability to create compelling storylines that keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. All in all, "Serge the Concierge" is an excellent example of NYPD Blue's ability to deliver riveting, heart-wrenching entertainment.